BACKGROUND: This 80 MW project is located in Central Illinois and would supply enough clean energy to power about 24,000 homes when completed. The project was then taken over by Pattern Energy of Houston, Texas after Navitas Energy’s parent company, Babcock and Brown, filed for bankruptcy. The estimated cost of the project is $160million.

The Woodford County Board voted 10-3 to approve the El Paso wind farm project in August 2008. Those opposed to the El Paso wind farm say it brings up economic, quality of life and environmental issues.

The deadline for the special-use permit for the project expired in August 2009. The Woodford County Board denied Pattern Energy's request to extend the special-use permit for the El Paso Wind Farm until Dec. 31, 2010. The company said it needed the extension because of poor economic conditions. “They have to re-apply; somebody else could re-apply,” Zoning Administrator John Hamann said. “If they choose to come back in, they have to start from scratch – new fee, new application, new hearing.”